What Is ESPN’s New Streaming Service?
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Launch Date & Scope
Officially launched on August 21, 2025, this new direct-to-consumer service aggregates all ESPN content—live events, studio shows, documentary originals (like 30 for 30, E:60), fantasy features, betting tools, and vertical highlights—into a single streaming platform, replacing traditional cable-only access (Vulture, Reuters, Wikipedia, Decider). -
Platforms & Access
Available via both the standalone ESPN app and the ESPN hub on Disney+, enabling easy access for subscribers of either platform (Wikipedia, Reddit, Decider).
Pricing & Subscription Options
1. ESPN Select (Entry Tier)
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Price: $11.99/month (or $119.99/year).
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Included Content: What used to be ESPN+—original programming, select live sports (e.g., NHL, PGA, tennis), but not content from linear ESPN channels (Wikipedia, Decider).
2. ESPN Unlimited (All-In-One Tier)
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Price: $29.99/month (or $299.99/year).
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Included Content: Access to all ESPN linear networks (e.g., ESPN, ESPN2, SEC Network, ACC Network), ESPN on ABC, popular shows like SportsCenter and First Take, and all ESPN+ content. Also includes enhanced features like AI-powered personalization, betting integration, and vertical highlight formats (“Verts”) (Decider, Investopedia, MMA Fighting, Reuters, Wikipedia, AP News, Vulture, The Washington Post, MarketWatch, CNBC).
3. Bundle Deals (Promotional Pricing)
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Disney+, Hulu (with ads) + ESPN Unlimited:
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$29.99/month for the first year, then renews at $35.99/month.
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Significant savings—roughly 39% off—compared to subscribing separately (New York Post, ESPN, AP News, MarketWatch).
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4. Future Bundle (Combined with Fox One)
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Starting October 2, 2025, ESPN Unlimited and Fox’s new streaming service Fox One will be available together for $39.99/month (New York Post, Wikipedia, MarketWatch).
Value Equations: What’s Best for You?
| Scenario | Best Option | Why It Makes Sense |
|---|---|---|
| Just streaming originals or select sports (UFC, NHL, tennis) | ESPN Select ($11.99/mo) | Affordable entry, offers ESPN+ style content without cable-level pricing. |
| Want full ESPN access (cable channels + originals) | ESPN Unlimited ($29.99/mo) | All-inclusive—no need for cable or separate ESPN+; adds personalization and extras. |
| Already watch Disney+ and Hulu frequently | Bundle at $29.99/month (first year) | Great value—sports + entertainment for under $30/mo for a year. |
| Interested in broader news and sports ecosystem (Fox + ESPN) | Bundle with Fox One at $39.99/mo | Single access point for vast live sports, news, studio shows. |
Tips to Maximize the Service
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Use bundle promotions—if you’re interested in Disney+ or Hulu anyway, the ESPN Unlimited bundle at $29.99/month for the first year is a no-brainer value (New York Post, ESPN).
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Take advantage of AI tools—leveraging personalized SportsCenter, highlights ("Verts"), ESPN Bet integration, and fantasy stats enhances the experience beyond just live viewing (The Washington Post, Reuters, Decider).
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Check access if you're a cable subscriber—pay-TV users can authenticate with provider credentials to get enhanced ESPN app features without extra cost (The Washington Post, Wikipedia).
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Plan ahead for future bundles—if you want both ESPN and Fox content down the road, the upcoming $39.99 bundle unlocks a broader range of content in one go (New York Post, Wikipedia).
Final Take
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Best value overall? The ESPN Unlimited bundle with Disney+ and Hulu at $29.99/month for the first year—excellent if you want both sports and entertainment.
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Tight on budget or only care about ESPN Originals? Go with ESPN Select.
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Want the full ESPN experience “cable-style” without cable? The Unlimited plan is a powerful upgrade.
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Future-proof for news and sports all under one umbrella? Anticipate the ESPN + Fox One bundle on the horizon.
Let me know if you’d like help comparing this with other sports offerings, device compatibility, or customization tips!
